Assessment Requirements for SISOCAY003 Abseil in intermediate to advanced canyons

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for SISOCAY003 Abseil in intermediate to advanced canyons

Modification History

Not applicable.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

complete three abseiling sessions in canyons, with at least two in a wet canyon

across the three sessions collectively complete the following abseils on at least two different routes:

a total of four descents with a belayer

a total of three self-belayed descents with one of those descents as last person down using a doubled rope descent

during each of the above abseils, consistently:

follow safety procedures and safely negotiate hazards to descend in a controlled manner

connect self to abseil and belay system using appropriate device and or knots

complete two additional self-belayed descents, simulating a self-arrest and self-rescue to complete the descent

belay abseilers according to safety procedures, and complete the following:

three top rope, top belayed descents

one bottom braked descent

two simulated abseiler falls, and safely and efficiently secure and release abseilers to continue.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for canyoning activities

purpose, features, and correct fit for safety, of personal protective equipment for abseiling in canyons to include:

clothing

footwear

gloves, advantages and disadvantages

abseiling/climbing helmets

harnesses of different types, advantages and disadvantages

waterproofing and stowing techniques used to keep clothing, equipment and resources dry during wet canyon activities

features, functions and operation of abseiling equipment used in canyons:

carabiners

static and dynamic rope and when each might be used

tape

sewn sling

personal attachment systems, including cow’s tails

Prusik cord

descending devices:

assisted locking

inline

plate

figure 8

tubular

improvised

belay systems:

top rope top belay

bottom brake

hanging belay

self-belay

belay devices:

assisted locking

inline

plate

figure 8

tubular

improvised

types of equipment and knots used, and how to tie them, when:

attaching descending devices to abseil ropes

attaching belay system to anchors

attaching self to back up belay system for self-belays

attaching self to anchor

types of personal and equipment safety checks completed prior to abseiling and belaying

canyoning abseiling techniques and appropriate posture for intermediate to difficult descents to include those for:

walking backwards on dry and wet surfaces

lowering

self-belayed descents

changing over at re-belays and using personal attachment system

self-belayed descent as last person down, doubled rope

disconnecting self from belay in a pool of water

techniques for belaying others during intermediate to difficult canyon abseils to include those for:

establishing belaying position for effective and safe use of belay system

rope handling and maintaining adequate rope tension

controlling bottom brake system

arresting abseiler falls

securing abseiler, tying off belay system and releasing

reasons for attaching belayer to anchor system when belaying others including:

minimising belayer movement to retain stable position and stance

minimising effects of force of abseiler fall and risk of injury to belayer

minimising risks of belayer fall

communication protocols used between abseilers and belayers to include:

calls

hand signals

whistles

radio

typical hazards for abseiling in canyons, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:

falling rocks, water, debris, gear

abrasion points

sharp edges

squeezes and overhangs

ledges

traverses

slippery or unstable terrain

dense vegetation and trees

strong breezes

tangled rope

rope catches or jams on natural features

abseiling past a belay station

limited space at belay station

uneven landing at belay station

rising water levels

cold water, immersion for extended periods

how to care for abseiling equipment during canyoning activities to avoid damage, and promote long lifespan

techniques used to minimise damage to canyon surfaces when abseiling in canyons.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in intermediate to advanced canyons which may features the following:

pitches greater than 30 metres high

anchors that can be difficult to reach

pitches with obscure sections and or landing pools

limited standing areas for multi pitch abseils or for hanging re-belay stations

canyon escapes can take 2 to 4 hours.

Wet canyons may feature:

moderate to high vertical flow

landing pools with a current

pools that require jumps between 5 to 10 metres

jumps that have a difficult trajectory

current strong enough to affect swimmer’s path

siphons

white water features up to white water Grade 2 for short periods of time.

The following resources must be available to replicate industry conditions of operation:

first aid equipment

communication equipment for emergency response

rescue equipment.

Assessment must ensure use of:

participants with whom the individual interacts during canyoning activities

personal protective equipment to include:

abseiling or climbing helmets

harnesses

gloves, as required

anchors which can include:

fixed artificial

naturally occurring

artificial removable

abseiling equipment to include:

carabiners

rope which can include static and or dynamic rope

rope protectors

tape or sewn sling

personal attachment systems, including cow’s tails

Prusik cords

descending devices

belay devices

template safety checklists

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for canyoning activities.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations requirements for assessors, and:

have a collective period of at least three years’ experience as a canyoning leader, guide or instructor, where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can incorporate full and or part time experience.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guides - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=1ca50016-24d2-4161-a044-d3faa200268b